The Christmas Promise by Donna VanLiere
Published: October 1, 2007
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Format: audiobook via Overdrive
Ratings: 4/5
Synopsis
Each Christmas we are given a promise from heaven. And each year on earth we make promises to each other.
This is a story about how a promise from one person to another shows us the true meaning of faith, remembrance, and love. Seven years ago Gloria endured a family tragedy that almost shook her faith entirely. Each Christmas she places a card in an envelope on her tree, restating a promise she made to her husband before he died. Now, having moved from her small town and all the painful memories it held, she is building a life by caring for people in need. Whether it's a young mother who can't pay her electric bill or a family who needs some extra food, Gloria always finds a way. Miriam is a thorn in Gloria's side. Miriam is a constantly critical, disapproving neighbor who looks with suspicion at all the good things Gloria does. When a twist of fate makes them roommates instead of neighbors, it's the ultimate test of patience and faith.
Chaz has a good job as head of security at Wilson's Department Store, but each night he returns home to an empty apartment. He longs for a wife and family of his own but realizes that the life choices he's made have alienated him. He befriends a young boy whose mother has fallen on hard times, giving him a chance to have a life he thought impossible. In The Christmas Promise, the lives of these characters collide and we learn that even as we move ahead, the past is never far behind. And when we are forgiven much, we love much.
My Thoughts
This is the type of book that in my opinion embodies what Christmas is. In The Christmas Promise, we have Gloria and Miriam who are neighbors and who couldn’t be more different. Gloria is very friendly always offering a helping hand to everyone she meets and Miriam well she is more about herself but when Miriam house floods Gloria offers to let her stay in her house until her house is fixed. While there Miriam sees all that Gloria does for everyone and can't believe it, she thinks no one could be that selfless. Gloria loves doing the things she does but she made a promise years ago on Christmas and vows to keep it. Little does anyone know that Gloria has a pain in her heart but prays that one day it will be filled. A mysterious man named Chaz longs for a family but he has had hard times in his life and when he meets a young boy and his mother he soon discovers that faith and love aren’t beyond his reach. This is a touching story that focuses on faith, family, and love and shows us to never give up because second chances can be around the corner. If you want a heartwarming story than definitely check out this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment